At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and produce MMIC layouts for cutting-edge GaN technology in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a leading compound semiconductor company driving innovation in RF applications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on RF performance and reliability while working with advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics or Physics, strong CAD skills, and an interest in RF layout.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with high levels of technical ownership and growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for people with electronics and CAD knowledge who are interested in moving into RF layout and design OR direct RF layout experience. This is a new position for an MMIC Layout Engineer to strengthen the link between circuit design, device physics, and manufacturing. You’d be joining a leading compound semiconductor company expanding its GaN technology platforms across RF and power applications. It’s a hands-on role in a manufacturing-led environment, where layout decisions directly affect RF performance, thermal behaviour, yield, and long-term reliability.
The role:
- Produce MMIC layouts for GaN and compound semiconductor processes from schematic and design intent
- Apply and feedback on PDK design rules driven by thermal, breakdown, and reliability limits
- Create arrayed die and full reticle layouts for mask manufacture
- Prepare and release mask data to fabrication partners
- Support design and mask reviews prior to fab release
- Maintain and update Process Control Monitor (PCM) and test structures
- Support technology development masks and experimental process splits
- Work closely with Device and Process Engineering on layout structures impacting RF performance and lifetime
- Track process updates and ensure layouts remain aligned to current manufacturing capability
Key knowledge and experience:
- Degree in Electronics, Physics, or similar
- Strong CAD and physical layout experience
- Understanding of how layout impacts RF behaviour, breakdown, and thermal performance
- Familiarity with manufacturing release flows and documentation standards
- Comfortable working in detail-driven, production-facing environments
- Exposure to RF, MMIC, GaN, or other III–V technologies is strongly beneficial
- Strong silicon layout engineers with RF interest and willingness to learn compound processes will be considered
What’s on offer:
- Competitive salary with relocation support
- Long-term investment strategy in GaN and RF technology platforms
- High levels of technical ownership and real product impact
- Good progression within a scaling company
Printed Circuit Board Design Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Wave Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Wave Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Printed Circuit Board Design Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or examples of your work, bring them along to interviews. We want to see what you can do, especially when it comes to CAD and RF layout experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of MMIC layouts and GaN technology. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of how layout impacts RF performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Printed Circuit Board Design Engineer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your electronics and CAD knowledge, especially if you have any RF layout experience. We want to see how your skills align with the MMIC Layout Engineer role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or coursework!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work with GaN technology and how your background makes you a great fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be specific about your CAD and layout experience in your application. If you've worked on projects that involved RF behaviour or thermal performance, make sure to mention those! We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Recruitment
✨Know Your CAD Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your CAD skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used CAD for layout design, especially in RF applications. This will show your potential employer that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Understand RF Behaviour
Dive deep into how layout decisions impact RF performance, thermal behaviour, and reliability. Prepare to explain how your previous work relates to these aspects. This knowledge will demonstrate your understanding of the role and its challenges.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Manufacturing Processes
Get a good grasp of manufacturing release flows and documentation standards. Being able to discuss how your layouts align with current manufacturing capabilities will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
If you don’t have direct RF layout experience, highlight your eagerness to learn about GaN and compound semiconductor processes. Share examples of how you've quickly adapted to new technologies in the past, as this will resonate well with the company’s focus on growth and innovation.